Mr Miller, it is over
13 years ago
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The White House on Afghanistan, with my take on it too!
The White House released the following readout from the president's Wednesday meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan:
"In today’s meeting, the President engaged his national security team in a candid assessment of the progress that has been made and the challenges we still face in Afghanistan and Pakistan since the President's strategy was announced in March (which was when he committed himself to Afghanistan)...
As the U.S. aggressively (as long as it's not too aggressive) confronts al Qaeda and its leadership around the world, the President has set a clear goal in Afghanistan: to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda and their extremist allies. (Except no more troops to make sure this all happens, as General McChrystal wants). When it come to decisions as important as keeping this country safe and putting our troops into harm’s way (just don't ask for more troops, and don't worry about those missiles from Iran), the President has made it clear that he will rigorously assess (which he hasn't been doing so far, seeing how he hasn't even been speaking with General McChrystal) our progress. That is why he held this meeting today and will take the next several weeks to review our strategy.....
The President will next meet with his national security team to discuss Afghanistan and Pakistan one week from today, October 7th at the White House." (because he is in Copenhagen right now making sure Chicago gets the 2016 Olympics--something really strategic!)
No Obamacare!
Write your Senators and Representatives today--No Obamacare!
No take-over of our health care system--with or without "public option".
Because either way, the federal government plans to control your health care options. Either by 'governmentalizing' our private health insurance coverage, or by offering that 'public option'.
Doesn't matter, it all means the same thing---we will have no say in our health care.
Other things you can do: write Democrats in those otherwise-Republican states (the "blue-dog" democrats) and tell them that you will be sending money to their Republican opponents to make sure they are voted out of office in 2010.
For more information on how this all plays out--the discussion and vote could be very soon--see:
And Even More People Who Help President Obama
Our new Energy Secretary Steven Chu, who stated that policies on oil "were not in my domain". Huh?!? He later admitted that he really knew very little about his job. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/02/20/1803006.aspx
So, knowing nothing about his new position, Dr. Chu feels that "“The American public…just like your teenage kids, aren’t acting in a way that they should act" in being 'green'. Maybe Dr. Chu should look to his own deparment's lack of "greenness" first -- http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/07/23/energy-inefficiency-the-department-of-energy-fails-another-audit/
Chairman of the Internal Revenue Service Committee, Mr. Charlie Rangel, (D-NY) has admitted to failing to report over 1 million dollars in revenue. After a 15 month investigation, he still is around. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has repeatedly blocked votes to remove him.
Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner owed over $33,000 in back taxes, for not paying taxes on his salary at the International Monetary Fund. He realized that he actually HAD been paid when the IRS audited him. Maybe he was friends with Mr. Rangel. And Mrs. Pelosi too, perhaps?
Last (for today) but certainly Not Least:
The "safe school" czar of President Obama's, Mr. Kevin Jennings, who is to help schools fight drug abuse & violent behavior, and to promote safe and healthy behaviors. Mr. Jennings has admitted to drug abuse as a teenager (without regret) and founded the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (whose conferences have advocated violent forms of homosexual sex to children), and which advocates for homosexuality in schools.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/23/critics-assail-obamas-safe-schools-czar-say-hes-wrong-man-job/
You can see more about the GLSEN here, along with the books it recommends: http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/home/index.html
BTW, the National Education Association is a National Sponsor of GLSEN.
(Reason #6079 why we homeschool)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
There's Just Too Much to Report On!
So here's a synopsis:
Democrats want to ensure that illegal aliens get health care.
Now, wait a minute....they are illegal, in our country against the law....they don't pay taxes....HUH? http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/28/liberals-seek-health-care-access-for-illegals/
And, as we know, President Obama proposes to make all illegal aliens LEGAL, as he said at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/18/obama-ties-immigration-to-health-care-battle/?feat=home_cube_position1
Social Security Goes Broke
There's no more money. Period. Which means taxpayers will have to find more money to put into Social Security, because Congress has always used fancy bookkeeping to rob the fund. http://www.heritage.org/Research/SocialSecurity/wm2632.cfm
Three terrorist attacks in the US were found and squashed this past week
(One right here in Dallas!)
A few tidbits about terrorism:
Today, Senate Republicans offered legislation to block the transfer of 148 of the "real bad guys" at Guantanamo Bay to other places. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/29/exclusive-senators-try-block-funding-close-gitmo/print/-senators-try-block-funding-close-gitmo/print/
For more on Guantanomo Bay, see my blog of May 22, 2009.
Also today, Senate Democrats are seeking legislation to repeal immunity to communications company who have helped in wire-tapping efforts to stop terrorism. These Senators call these "warrantless" and "illegal" wiretaps under President Bush. http://dodd.senate.gov/?q=node/5238 --Even though these wire-taps have helped stop these terrorists.
President Obama chairs U.N. Security Council, supports nuclear disarmament
And Iran responds by firing off its newest and best medium-range missiles, capable of hitting Israel, parts of Europe, and American trooops in the Middle East. From Ayatollah Khamenei, "The armed forces of the Islamic Republic are now more powerful than ever and fully prepared to foil foreign threats."
Ouch.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/28/AR2009092800230_pf.html
However, France's President Sarkozy accused Obama of being a wimpy idealogue (my words)--"President Obama dreams of a world without weapons...but right in front of us two countries are doing the exact opposite," Mr. Sarkozy said, upset that Mr. Obama was asking for more talks when he (Mr. Obama) was aware of Iran's secret nuclear plant. "What good has proposals for dialogue brought the international community? More uranium enrichment and declarations by the leaders of Iran to wipe out a UN member state off the map." You need to read this: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/09/29/sarkozys_contempt_for_obama.html
So, what are now President Obama's plans to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power?
(Except for the fact that Mr. Obama has already stated Iran should be allowed to be a nuclear power, for peaceful purposes only, of course.)
Mr. Obama will hold talks with Iran beginning this Thursday.
One problem--Iran refuses to talk about its once-secret nuclear fuel plant that it has been hiding.
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSLT56449320090929
Well, those talks sound like they're going to be real effective....
American Troops--More Casualties this year, 2009
than any other year and more than 2001-2004 combined. Just something you probably won't find in the media. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/Without-Bush-media-lose-interest-in-war-caskets-8310113-62427012.html
Al Gore says President Obama isn't doing enough about climate change:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0909/27430.html
And folks are upset that Mr. Obama isn't pushing cap-and-tax, which BTW will add about $1700 per family per year increase in taxes.
But Fidel Castro is happy with Mr. Obama's speech on climate change
Obama's blaming the US for global warming "was without a doubt a brave gesture," Castro wrote. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hrsJ4qSe4ne2_544A7Wzg4_uT7TwD9AT2O683
My vote for the UN speech of the week: Mr. Netanyahu from Israel--"To those who gave this Holocaust denier (speaking of the UN allowing Ahmadinejad to speak) a hearing, I say on behalf of my people. ... Have you no shame? Have you no decency?"
This is also after "Obama just put Israel 'on the chopping block,' " according to former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton, referring to President Obama's assertion that "America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements."
N.B. The above seal is the coat of arms of the United States, first seen in 1782.
Oops, President Obama goes to Denmark
....Today (Ooops, sorry, President Obama is going to Copenhagen on Thursday. Mrs. Obama went to Denmark today!)
And Mr. Obama had time to talk to General McChrystal for the SECOND time in his presidency. After it was pointed out to Mr. Obama he had only spoken to the General once so far.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Maybe President Obama is Lost Too....
...On Afghanistan.
Perhaps the reason Mr. Obama is lost on the strategic issues is that he has talked only once...yes, that's ONCE!!!...to his own appointed general, General Stanley McChrystal. See : http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/back-story/2009/sep/28/us-commander-of-afghanistan-only-talked-to-obama-o/
President Obama had time for 5 interviews last week on national TV.
He then had time for a round of golf that afternoon.
My question to my DH: Why wasn't President Obama in church on a Sunday morning?
Just for fun, let's look at President Obama's schedule for the last 2 weeks (from CBS News blog "Obama's Schedule")http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/politics/politicalhotsheet/main503544.shtml?category=Obama%27s+Schedule&tag=contentMain;contentBody--
Tuesday, Sept 15:
President Obama travels to Ohio (to talk to GM workers and then to speak on the economy), Pittsburgh (to speak at the AFL-CIO meeting), and Philadelphia (to fundraise for Specter).
Wednesday, Sept 16:
President Obama has morning briefings, then meets with Canadian Prime Minister; he then hosts an event for the Olympics, then meets with Defense Secretary, and in the evening speaks at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Gala.
Thursday, Sept 17:
Mr. Obama has morning briefings, then holds a rally on health reform, awards a Medal of Honor, then hosts a viewing of the PBS show on national parks.
Friday, Sept 18:
Daily briefings, followed by an award ceremony with recipients of the Secretary of Defense Employer awards
Monday, Sept 21:
Tour of Hudson Valley Community College
Talk on economy in New York
Interview with David Letterman to show that night
Tuesday, Sept 22 -- Thursday, Sept 24
United Nations appearances in New York
Thursday, Sept 24 -- Friday, Sept 25
Travel to Pennsylvania, G-20 Conference
Monday, Sept 28
Morning Briefings--I don't see anything else on the schedule
Looking forward, President and Mrs. Obama will be traveling to Copenhagen to request that the 2016 Olympic Games be held in Chicago.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Heard about Honduras?
The former President of Honduras, Manuel Zalaya, was ousted from power by Honduras' Congress, Supreme Court and military.
Why did Honduras exile Zalaya? Because, in defiance of the Supreme Court of Honduras, he had acted against the Honduran constitution in ordering a survey about extending term limits.
The interim government wishes to have regular elections in November, under international scrutiny.
What did Zalaya then do? He flew to the United States to discuss his predicament with Secretary Clinton. He denied any responsibility for the illegal actions that occurred. He has made threatening words to the effect that he intends to resume his presidency. He also asked the Obama administration not to recognize the elections to be held in November, to which Mr. Obama has agreed.
President Obama has also declared the ouster of Mr. Zalaya a "coup", though many State Department officials aren't sure if this is the correct definition of "coup."
Zalaya is also a close friend of Hugo Chavez. This is why the Honduran people fear him. And why they are not too happy about the Obama administration's views. They feel that they have stood up for their constitution and for democracy.
And Mr. Chavez?
Recap: Cash-for-Clunkers
Edmunds.com predict September car sales will be lowest of the year, the aftershocks of the Cash-for-Clunkers program.
Only about 10% of the money has been paid out to auto dealers; the dealers are hurting for their money.
And, the number crunching seems to be a bit off. No one seems to know exactly how many cars were sold, since dealers and the US government don't agree.
http://www.autoobserver.com/2009/09/new-math-cash-for-clunkers-numbers-dont-add-up.html#more
Only about 10% of the money has been paid out to auto dealers; the dealers are hurting for their money.
And, the number crunching seems to be a bit off. No one seems to know exactly how many cars were sold, since dealers and the US government don't agree.
http://www.autoobserver.com/2009/09/new-math-cash-for-clunkers-numbers-dont-add-up.html#more
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Afghanistan... I'm Lost, Too, Mr. Gelb
The Wall Street Journal is befuddled over President Obama's recent statements about Afghanistan--namely, that he, the President, is unsure about strategy in Afghanistan now that General McChrystal has asked for 40,000 more troops. The general warns that without these troops, the war in Afghanistan will fail.
Previously, President Obama stated, "The United States has a vital national security interest in addressing the current and potential security threats posed by extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In Pakistan, al Qaeda and other groups of jihadist terrorists are planning new terror attacks. Their targets remain the U.S. homeland...Therefore, the core goal of the U.S. must be to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda." Go read his speech at http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/Afghanistan-Pakistan_White_Paper.pdf
Now, Mr. Obama says he's not sure. He's still "working through that strategy." And he questions, "(Are we) pursuing the right strategy?"
I don't know, Mr. President--Are We Pursuing the Right Strategy? I mean, you're the commander-in-chief. You knew the right strategy just a few weeks ago when you again stressed your committment to Afghanistan. Why are you backing out now? Do you want to lose? Do you wish to endanger our troops?
Do you want to paint a big red bulls-eye on America?
Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned, "I don't think there's a great deal of support for sending more troops to Afghanistan in the country or in the Congress" i.e., no more troops! The Democratic head of the Appropriations Committee has also expressed his "nervousness" about sending more troops. See http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/10/pelosi-upping-troops-to-a_n_282210.html
This is after Speaker Pelosi's remarks in March 2009, (quote) "I support President Obama's comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. The President’s plan is the result of a detailed study and is wisely centered on dismantling al Qaeda and denying safe havens in both Afghanistan and Pakistan to those who would attack the United States. This strategy recognizes a point that I have emphasized for years." http://www.speaker.gov/blog/?m=200903
Okay, so what's the deal here? I'm lost.
More on ACORN
President Obama seems to pooh-pooh the brouhaha surrounding ACORN on his interview at ABC News. http://blogs.abcnews.com/george/2009/09/obama-on-acorn-not-something-ive-followed-closely.html
ABC reports that "While the President said that ACORN 'deserves to be investigated' in light of the 'inappropriate' video..., he did not endorse recent votes in Congress to cut off federal funding for the community group."
This after the Census Bureau cut off ACORN because they were under investigation in Florida for voter fraud--see http://michellemalkin.com/2009/09/11/acorn-watch-census-bureau-cuts-ties/ and the House and Senate cut off federal funding.
The governor of Louisiana cut off state funding to ACORN (now that is something).
Now, the Department of Justice is going to investigate ACORN: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/21/justice-department-inspector-general-launches-internal-acorn-probe/
A whole bunch of other federal agencies and departments have been asked to look into ACORN also.
Should be interesting!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Student Loans--MORE Lies
You have to read this:
Basically, Congress, in 2007, made it unprofitable for private lenders to loan out money for education. So the federal government has been ponying up some of the student loan money.
All this money from the federal folks was supposed to end next year.
But the deal is, now that Congress has made the student loan system fail, Mr. Obama plans to take it over.
And Congress is fudging the numbers to make it look like "below market" loans will save everyone money. Even I would look askance at that assertion.
So, Democrats in Congress are lying, but still plan to get this passed on "Reconciliation" in order to help "balance the budget" (just disregard that little oxymoron).
Colleges all over the country are complaining--the federal government has not ever been very conscientious in making their payments (not even in cash-for-clunkers--auto dealers are STILL waiting for their money).
They screw it up. And we, the taxpayers, get to pay for all of this.
And Representative Wilson Didn't Lie
In my humble opinion.
President Obama, in his recent speech to Congress, stated that illegal aliens would not be covered by his health care proposals.
However, as mentioned before, the bills before the House and Senate do not specifically provide for a means to ensure that illegal aliens don't get coverage, which means, that TAA-DAA, no one can check who you are, and you can get the government to cover your health care!
And, the Democrats had blocked any efforts to try and put in a way to weed out illegal aliens.
But now, something even worse--in my humble opinion--
President Obama wishes to make all illegal aliens Legal.
He feels that the health care problem is so tremendous among illegal aliens that they must be immediately legalized. http://www.usnews.com/blogs/peter-roff/2009/09/18/would-obama-amnesty-for-illegal-immigrants-mean-free-healthcare.html
So, no, Mr. Wilson, President Obama isn't going to have healthcare cover illegal aliens.
He's just going to have them become citizens, and then they are provided health care.
President Obama is just being terribly sneaky, underhanded and dishonest.
He just didn't actually let lying words pass through his lips. But the overall effect is dishonest.
Another Faux-Pas
President and Mrs. Obama have been busy giving speeches about health care reform.
Both, this past week, have referred to the story of their daughter, Sasha, who unfortunately became very ill when she was 3 or 4 months old.
Mrs. Obama tells how sick Sasha was, but blessedly, was diagnosed quickly as NOT having meningitis (and recovered fully), according to the New York Times--
President Obama also gives this story, citing that Sasha DID have meningitis--http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-on-Health-Insurance-Reform/
A short comment--
Having worked in hospitals and emergency 20 years ago, I know that children suspected to have meningitis are considered to be emergencies. Any child would be seen quickly and treatment begun promptly. That's just how it is.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Oh, my, you shouldn't lie!
It's one of those really important commandments, you know!
But neither President Obama, nor his staff, had not checked his facts. This was the second time that President Obama related the story of a man who had lost his health insurance, which delayed his cancer treatment, and that the man had died because of this.
Yes, the gentleman did lose his health coverage, and yes, his cancer treatment was delayed a couple of weeks. But, after his health plan was re-instated, he did receive treatment was given during the timeframe he needed it.
And yes, he unfortunately did die--after four years. But---his life was prolonged several years due to proper treatment that he did receive.
Oops.
No long-range missiles for Poland and Czechoslavia
There's just too much to keep up with this week!!
But here's a bit of information about President Obama's new missile policy in Europe.
Basically, President Bush (the most recent one) had begun a plan for missile interceptors that would be placed in Poland and Czechoslavia to defend both Europe and the US from medium and long range missile attack. These defenses were to counter threats from North Koran and Iran.
Basically, Vice-President Joe Biden states that Iran is not really a threat to the US, according to CNN-
But others feel that this will be a big hole in our defenses-
and....our allies in Czechoslavia and Poland aren't really too happy, either. They had been counting on this as part of their overall defense plan.
What does President Obama support? He proposes a system of short and medium range missile defenses, stating that they will be better and cheaper.
Why? It could be that Mr. Obama is appealing to Russian concerns. Or that he is working toward disarmament with belligerent countries--but he has no assurances from others, and no missile defense to back it up.
The Senate has appealed to Mr. Obama to keep up missile defense--perhaps he should listen.
Hey, but look, it provides work!
Watch for a road sign near you!
The Senate voted 52 to 45 (some Democrats voted against these shenanigans also) to spend millions and millions of dollars to place road signs advertising the successes (?) of the stimulus spending along the nation's highways. "Why on earth would you want to hide from the American people the fact that the recovery package we passed is putting people to work?" queried Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Ca), who then accused the Republicans of just voting against the bill because they are spoil-sports.
But Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) objected, "We do enough self-congratulating around here. They shouldn't make the taxpayers pay for it."
The Economy is still in Trouble
....despite what Mr. Larry Summers, a major economic advisor to the President, and Mr. Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Fed, say.
The Administration has talked about the high rate of unemployment, which is at 9.7% currently. And while it is true that employment lags behind other economic indicators, there's more to the economy than the assertion that "we lost fewer jobs last month".
And, actually, the unemployment rate is higher than this. The official government statistics only include those who have actively looked for work in the last 4 weeks. By the U-6 indicator (apparently because it is the sixth definition of unemployment--it is also the most comprehensive, adding those who would like to work but aren't currently looking for a job, and those who are working part-time but would like to work full-time) the unemployment rate is 16.8%. This rose 0.3 % last month, from 16.5%.
Home foreclosures have leveled off, but business experts say that because many adjustable-rate mortgages will be due for increased rates soon http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/20/realestate/20mort.html, and also because the program to help homeowners reduce their mortgage payments isn't working very well http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iIR1Kx1yLRRkEydxgSBNqM-YxN3QD9AQEIEG0 , that home foreclosures are expected to drastically rise soon.
The total number of bank closures this year has reached 94, the highest number since 1992, when 181 banks failed. The FDIC's fund for insuring failed banks has dropped from $45 billion to 10.4 billion dollars. (PS, If your bank has failed, I'd be inclined to get my money out sooner than later.)
And, Americans, as a whole, are now 2 trillion dollars better off than the beginning of the year. However, this a bit misleading. Most of the recovery of wealth is in the stock market, because it has risen since January. The small group of people that own lots of stocks have seen their value rise. Which is good for them, but really doesn't mean much to Americans as a whole.
Also, that the stock markets have risen isn't necessarily good news. Stockholder shares have lost value as companies have had to issue lots more stock shares--and taken money from the federal government--to keep afloat.
http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/sep2009/pi20090917_056660.htm?chan=rss_topStories_ssi_5
The Fed is touting the rise in home sales and consumer spending, but you need to watch this carefully. Many experts contend that this rise is due to the articial situation the the government has placed on the retail market with the Cash-For-Clunkers program to get people to buy cars,and the first-time home buyer's tax credit to encourage the buying of homes.
Banks are still closing, at an average rate of 10 per month. Construction is up (a little bit), but not in single-home housing.
On top of this, Government debt has soared. Both federal and state governments are increasing their debt to record numbers.
Here's one person's summary of the problems that still exist:
I don't do too well on economics, so please, chime in and help us understand all this! I would just say that I don't trust the federal government claims that all is rosy in the economy.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
And President Carter Adds His Bit
...to the oft-repeated "racism" rumor.
Groundless, fabricated stories--that's a canard. There you go--a free word of the day. And BTW, "Canard" is French for "Duck". As in quack-quack. Because that's what these allegations are--groundless rumors.
See previous post for more on this: http://politicopolitico.blogspot.com/2009/09/they-just-dont-get-it.html
Now, do racists exist in the United States?
Undoubtably.
But, if white folks were all racists, Mr. Obama would never have been elected President.
Unless I've got my math all wrong; it was never my strong suit.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
More on "Who's Running the Country"?
Continued from a couple of days ago.....
#4 Mr. Cass Sunstein was recently confirmed by the Senate as the new "Regulatory Czar". His real title is head of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. His job will be to oversee regulatory policy of federal agencies. This is stuff like regulations, which he will have some power to change apparently, and government forms.
One of Mr. Sunstein's more alarming views is that of internet censorship. He advocates that courts suppress blogs who criticize others; he also believes libel laws should be changed to sue those who might be spreading 'rumors.'
Mr. Sunstein also seems quite a radical concerning animal rights. He believes hunting should be outlawed, as should the eating of meat. He advocates for animals' right to sue humans, and feels that both wild and domesticated animals should have "rights" and be represented in court by human lawyers.
Currently, Mr. Sunstein states that his writings are merely "provocative". Provocatively loony, perhaps?
#5 Mr. Mark Lloyd, the Diversity Czar. Who doesn't seem to believe much in diversity over the air-waves. He has written previously about his concerns of the conservatism and Christianity found in talk radio, and has proposed solutions to this "problem". See
http://politicopolitico.blogspot.com/2009/08/lets-get-back-to-basic-bill-of-rights.html#6 Mr. Kenneth Feinberg, the "pay" czar.
Mr. Feinberg is in charge of making sure that the top executives of those businesses receiving bailout ("TARP") funds aren't making too much money.
Mr. Feinberg may understand large salaries. He made over $5 million dollars--well, closer to six mil--last year as a lawyer. http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUSTRE57R45I20090828
His new job seems to, mayhap, gone to his head. Mr. Feinberg proclaims that "the statuteultimately says I have discretion to decide"...on salaries. Giddily, he states, "Anything is possible under the law."
Enough of these radical folks for now.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Squirrels
On September 14th, the Senate, prompted by Senator Johanns (R-Nebraska) voted 83 to 7 to stop any more federal money from going to ACORN from the Transportation and Housing money. (NB--I've got to do some more digging to see if any OTHER tax money is going to ACORN).
Good for us tax-payers!
ACORN's despicable conduct in aiding and abetting tax cheats who are (reputedly) breaking the law in upteem million ways is astounding...never mind the self-incriminating allegations of the ACORN employees themselves (of income tax evasion and murder, no less).
You can watch the videos from New York, D.C., Baltimore, and San Bernardino on http://biggovernment.com/ .
Those who obviously feel that ACORN is behaving properly in offering instructions on how-to- cheat-on-your-income-taxes while running a house of ill-repute (with illegally imported minor girls!!!) include Senators Burris (D-IL), Casey (D-PA), Durbin (D-IL), Gillibrand (D-NY), Leahy (D-VT), Sanders (I-VT), and Whitehouse (D-RI).
Those that did not vote at all include Burr (R-NC), Byrd (D-WV), Coburn (R-OK), Graham (R-SC), Gregg (R-NH), Hutchison (R-TX), McCain (R-AZ), Mikulski (D-MD), and Vitter (R-LA).
Perhaps you'd like to write your Senator and thank them for their vote, or maybe ask them about their vote? (or non-vote--I certainly will be asking Senator Hurchison about her lack of vote--is she too busy running for Texas governor?)
More on ACORN soon....
Monday, September 14, 2009
They Just Don't Get It
Today, more cries of "racism" have emerged.
It's just hate, racism, crazy paranoia, stupidity and every other base and vile instinct that prompts people to criticize President Obama. Nothing else. Or so says the left.
The left seems to have all sorts of ad hominem (Latin for "against the person") arguments to repudiate those who stand against government-controlled industry, cap-and-trade, government-controlled healthcare, or an ever-mounting national debt.
Have these folks read the health care bill proposed by the House? It will strangle all private health insurance, in a matter of years. It will give control of all health insurance (private or government option) to a health czar. Our health care will be beyond judicial or legislative control. We, the people, have a right to be concerned about this!
Or, look at it from another way. If the conservatives' are so wrong about issues, why did the Democrats go back and remove the "death panels"? Were there death panels, or not? Or take health care for illegal aliens--if this was all hunky-dory, why are the Democrats going back and re-doing this portion of the health care bill?
These issues are cause for concern. We, as citizens of the United States, have a right to protest and criticize.
“As far as African-Americans are concerned, we think most of it is,” said Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), commenting on how she feels that criticism of President Obama is race-based.
C'mon folks, these ad-hominem arguments are an insult to intelligence--these arguments make you look really dumb.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Did you hear about the protectionist tariff on tires?
President Obama, in contrast to his free trade declarations at the G20 summit, has imposed a 35% trade tariff on Chinese-produced cheap auto tires.
Tire manufacturers in the US don't want to produce these lower quality tires because they lose money on this product. So they have let the Chinese tire manufacturers take over the production.
But union workers are concerned about losing jobs to the Chinese. They have complained that they have lost 5000 jobs due to the importation of Chinese-made tires.
President Obama election campaign was in part financed by over 600 million dollars from unions.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/016/959ypaav.asp
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/016/959ypaav.asp
Who is Running the Country?
Just who are some of the people helping President Obama in his presidency?
Mr. Obama, as many presidents have done, has appointed several special assistants. But he seems to have quite a number of these folks. Some put the number of czars as high as thirty.
And the increasing role of these special assistants has caused some questioning of their influence. For example, Senator Byrd (D-WV) wrote, "As presidential assistants and advisers, these White House staffers are not accountable for their actions to the Congress, to cabinet officials, or to virtually anyone but the president. They rarely testify before congressional committees, and often shield the information and decision-making process behind the assertion of executive privilege."
A quick run-down of a few of these people:
1. "Green" czar Mr. Van Jones, who just resigned, stating that the "opponents of reform have mounted a vicious smear campaign".
What is this "vicious smear campaign"?
That Mr. Jones had stated "By August (of 1992) I was a communist."???
That he stated that he "met all these radical young people of color, I mean really radical, communists and anarchists. It was like 'this is what I need to be a part of."???
That he founded STORM, a Marxist-Leninist group modelled on Chinese Communist dictator Mao Tse Tung, in 1994???
That he signed a "truther" petition in 2004 calling for an investigation of whether President Bush had caused the 9/11 attacks on the United States???
BTW, Mr. Jones states he did sign the petition, but didn't know the contents. Unfortunately for his version of the story, Mr. Jones was also an organizer of a "truther" rally in 2002. Hmmmm....
That Mr. Jones has displayed racist tendencies in his 2008 statement about "the white polluters and white environmentalists are essentially steering poison into the people-of-color communities."???
2. Science Czar John Holdren: Mr. Holdren is now confirmed as President Obama's head of the office of Science and Technology; ie, as the "Science Czar".
Mr. Holdren appears to be an alarmist, at the very least, stating in his confirmation hearings that he feels one billion people could die as a result of global warming by the year 2020. (BTW, he also predicts that the oceans will rise by 13 feet by the end of the century).
Though now denying that he ever supported such ideas, Holdren wrote in 1977 the book Ecoscience that the Constitution could be used to support involuntary abortion to prevent overpopulation. Other ideas discussed in the book include forced sterilization or birth control for women who had 2 or 3 children or for people "who contribute to social deterioration", and a world-wide "Regime" who would dictate family size (as well as control all natural resources) along with an "international....police force" to ensure compliance.
This sounds so far-fetched as to be ludicrous, but see http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/21/obamas-science-czar-considered-forced-abortions-sterilization-population-growth/
3. Manufacturing czar Ron Bloom, who has been charged with creating new manufacturing jobs and coordinating several cabinet offices, such as Labor, Treasury and Commerce.
Mr. Bloom has worked for the United Steelworkers union as well as the SEIU (Service Employees International Union). He has also worked as a businessman specializing in union-related deals and mergers.As car czar, he managed the government interventions of GM (now controlled by the federal government) and of Chrysler, going around the U.S. bankruptcy laws and giving away the investors' money to the United Auto Workers union.
Mr. Bloom has never held a position in manufacturing.
Now he is working both sides of the aisle.
To Be Continued...
Friday, September 11, 2009
Remembering September 11th
Today is a day of remembrance.
A remembrance of the almost 3,000 innocent people that perished that day, and their families, the heroic folks that gave their lives to save others, the countless people that gave their time and money and care to others, and the brave men and women that protect us by their service in the Armed Forces.
It IS NOT a day for public service.
I am not saying that community service is bad, or wrong, or whatever.
Today is just not the day.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Presidential Speech
Go to http://blog.heritage.org/2009/09/10/obama-speech-fact-check/#more-14489 for a great article by the Heritage Foundation on last night's speech by President Obama on health care.
In a nutshell-- from the Associated Press, “The president’s speech to Congress contained a variety of oversimplifications and omissions in laying out what he wants to do about health insurance.”
The Heritage Foundation agrees; go see their analysis.
In summary:
1. Mr. Obama states 30 million American who don't have health insurance.
The Heritage Foundation puts this number at about 15 million. BTW, others also put this number at 12 to 15 million.
2. Mr. Obama states you will not have to change your insurance plan. Absolutely false.
3. Mr. Obama states "preventative care...saves money." Again, false.
4. Mr. Obama states everyone will have to purchase health insurance, just like everyone must have auto insurance.
No, not everyone is required to have auto insurance. Oops, mis-statement.
5. Mr. Obama states that illegal aliens will not be covered.
Except the fact is, anyone can apply. There's no provision in this bill to prevent illegal aliens from health coverage.
6. Mr. Obama said the government plan will not cover abortion.
False.
7. Mr. Obama feels private health insurance plans can be competive with government health care plans.
No way.
8. Mr. Obama says government health care won't cost anything.
I'm sorry, I just can't keep from laughing.....
9. Mr. Obama states that reducing waste and fraud in Medicare and Medicaid will pay for the government plan.
I'm still laughing too hard....
10. Mr. Obama insists fees charged to private insurance companies will reduce health care costs.
Except that these "fees" will fall upon the consumer, who indirectly will be paying this "fee" to the U.S. government. It's just more money in the government coffers.
Thank you, Heritage Foundation, for setting the record straight.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Well, things changed...
The White House changed the curriculum for President Obama's speech today.
The schoolkids are no longer asked "What can I do for President Obama?" or if they are able to help our President.
Good.
The President, just like our representatives and senators, is hired, and fired BTW, by us. We are citizens who elect, support, and pay for our public servants. Great term, that--public servants. They are here to serve us, not vice-versa.
Capishe, Mr. President?
The economy is okay, the economy is....!
Oh, well, like the sky is falling?
Today we learned that the jobless rate has risen to 9.7%.
In many states, it is above 10%.
The Cash-for-Clunkers didn't seem to help the auto industry--that sector of the economy lost 15,000 jobs. See http://politicopolitico.blogspot.com/2009/09/update-of-cash-for-clunkers.html
Vice-President Biden said that the Stimulus Package has created over a half million jobs. This is false (I won't say "lie"). Jobs are not being created: before the stimulus bill was enacted, the new job rate was 3.2%--now it is 2.9%.
And, only a fraction of the stimulus money has been spent. Most of that has been given to states to pay their overdue bills. This kind of spending does not create jobs.
Banks are continuing to fail. Consumer spending is down. House prices and stocks are weak. Economic growth is stagnant.
Honestly, I wonder how Things are Going to Go when our taxes are raised later this year (Yes, Virginia, There will be a Tax Hike) and inflation increases.
What will Mr. Biden say then?
Why we don't send our kids to government schools...
and yes, I said "government schools". "Public" is a nice word for government controlled schools. These schools are funded and run through and by our different legislative bodies--the government!
like I said---Two Reasons:
#1) Protecting my Children from this kind of stuff:
From the Salt Lake Tribune: "Children at Eagle Bay Elementary School in Farmington were shown a short video called "I pledge" on Aug. 28." What's this video? Well, it's full of Hollywood types pledging to do various things to help President Obama and to help each other. Not so bad.....yet. Until they start pledging to advance stem cell research, sell their obnoxious car, and--oh, well, I won't go there, it's not polite--and then the creepy statements that "I will serve President Obama" and similar tripe.
#2) Teachers such as Mrs. Harris of Ashville, North Carolina, who berates and belittles a little girl for supporting John McCain for President. You can watch this shameful exchange here:
And what, you are probably thinking, is my opinion on President Obama's upcoming speech to publicly-schooled children around the US?
That he is intruding into the parent-child relationship. Issues such as the importance of education should be discussed between parent and students, even if they all decide to watch a speech by the President together. That the President is also intruding into the area rightly reserved for school boards and school administrators by going around these people-in-charge to directly distribute the speech materials to the principals.
That these "teaching" materials seem to be suspiciously political, with such questions as "What does the President want me to do?" and "Are we able to do what President Obama wants us to do?" and activities such as writing letters about what each child can do for the President.
Parents are responsible for their children, not the government. Duh.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
An Update of Cash for Clunkers
Interestingly enough, the Cash for Clunkers program did not bode well for Government...oops, General Motors or Chrysler companies in the month of August.
GM reported a 20% decrease in sales compared to August 2008, while Chrysler reported a 15% fall from a year ago--although Chrysler sold 5% more cars in August 2009 than in July 2009.
I guess Americans don't really go for governmental pandering to the automotive companies (which is what C for C is) OR don't like/trust government-run companies. Or something.
On another level, C for C has been a "clunker". The dealerships aren't being paid.
Since our federal government will have to be printing lots of money to pay out all the stuff it's promised, maybe the government is just waiting till inflation hits and then pay the poor dealerships off with money that is worth less.
Or maybe it's just imcompetent.
Just speculating!
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